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Sanchez showing Giants value behind plate

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Sanchez's four-hit night 1:06

5/5/14: Hector Sanchez picks up four singles and knocks in three runs against the Pirates

By George Von Benko
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Special to MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- Hector Sanchez is the Giants' backup catcher. He plays behind Buster Posey, which means Sanchez doesn't play a lot, but he caught all 13 innings in the Giants' 11-10 win over the Pirates on Monday night.

Sanchez was back behind the plate replacing Posey in Wednsday's day game.

"His groin was a little tight going into the game on Monday night," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of Sanchez. "After Posey came out, I had to keep him in there."

Sanchez had a season-high four hits on Monday night, matching his career high. His teammates appreciate what he brings to the table.

"We have a tremendous amount of respect for Sanchez," Giants outfielder Hunter Pence said. "What he brings to this team, not only did he catch that many innings, he had quite a few -- not just one -- extremely clutch hits, extremely difficult at-bats. Coming off the bench on a game-to-game basis, he's the guy that comes in, in big situations. He's got that personality that freedom and that "it" factor. He's big to this ballclub."

Entering Wednesday's action, Sanchez was tied for fifth on the club with 14 RBIs despite having just 50 plate appearances.

George Von Benko is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.